DISAPPOINTING is the adjective some might use to describe the career of Chris Eubank Jr., perhaps largely due to the relative success of his father – Chris Sr. However, with a name and brand bigger than any title Junior has held, it is difficult to call his career an unsuccessful one.
Conor Benn, his born rival and soon-to-be dance partner, will undoubtedly represent the most important fight of his career so far, and, if all goes as expected, will also be his biggest win. But before that fiery matchup takes place on April 26, let’s take a look at the three biggest wins of Eubank Jr.’s career so far.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith II
For many reasons, it could easily be argued that the rematch win over Liam Smith is Eubank’s crowning achievement to date, avenging his first and only stoppage defeat from the first meeting and halting a former WBO super-welterweight champion in the process.
‘Beefy’ was 33-3-1 heading into the bout, with the three blemishes coming at the hands of top undefeated fighters in Magomed Kurbanov and Jaime Munguia, as well as pound-for-pound champion Saul Canelo Alvarez. All things considered, the Liverpool-based fighter was the strong favourite going into the fight.
Despite that, it was a dominant and measured performance from the now 35-year-old Eubank, combining ferocious punching with boxing IQ. After Smith survived a barrage of punches in the earlier rounds, Eubank earned a late stoppage in the 10th. It is the type of performance that will need to be replicated in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in order to secure a win against Benn.
Chris Eubank Jr vs James DeGale
While one could argue that the 2019 clash between James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr. represented a DeGale far from the peak of his fine career, the former Olympic gold medallist was a big name for Eubank to add to his résumé as a former IBF super-middleweight champion alongside his amateur successes.
‘Chunky’ had defended his IBF title on a number of occasions, with a notable draw against now-WBC cruiserweight Champion Badou Jack. Eubank, meanwhile, was a former IBO super-middleweight belt holder with two losses on his record, one of which at the hands of Billy Joe Saunders for the British middleweight title in 2014.
The Brighton-based boxer produced a strong points decision win with the scorecards reading 114-112, 115-112, and 117-109. A pair of big knockdowns and an overall dominant showing announced Eubank Jr. back onto the world scene following a loss to George Groves one year prior.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Williams
In early 2022, Cardiff hosted a clash between Wales’ own Liam Williams and the polarising figure of Eubank Jr. The Welshman came into the fight having won almost every possible title at domestic level, and, much like the Liam Smith rematch, the Welshman’s home court advantage framed the bout as one where the Englishman was up against it a little.
Four knockdowns, en route to a comfortable and controlled victory, ensured the travelling fighter upset the home crowd in South Wales and, still now, remains one of Eubank’s best wins to date. More importantly, it also silenced doubters as to whether the former champion still had what it takes to compete and provided further proof he sits well above that domestic level, of which Liam Williams occupied the very top.
Live on DAZN, April 26 Eubank Jr vs. Benn. Over 30 years of rivalry and hatred all comes down to this! A bloodline born to settle the score, hatred in their blood. Eubank Jr vs. Benn, live on DAZN April 26.
Buy the pay-per-view now at https://www.dazn.com/oneonone
